This question plagues the computer user every time the trigger needs to be pulled on a new machine.

What do I get? Mac or PC? And why?

Common today, Macs are mostly found in laptop form and run the Apple operating system called OSX or OS11. Microsoft computers called PCs normally run Windows based operating systems and are usually more prevalent in desktops but also exist as laptops. (The operating system is the program that runs every component and every other program on your computer) You can buy either type of computer in either type of form factor (laptop or PC) but why go one way over the other? 

Let’s start with the differences. Both machines are virtually the same inside. The same components  live inside both machines just like any other computer, Ram, CPU, hard drive etc. The difference starts with the operating system and the functionality and communication of those components, and of course, what you can do with them!

Both machines can fundamentally do the same things. They both go online, they both allow you to type, print, get email, output to multiple monitors, but Windows will accomplish some things better than Macs can and vise versa. 

Mac (+)’s- user friendly-ness.

Ease of use and a quick learning curve have always been a reason to pick a Mac. 
Graphics displays! Retina screens are Apple’s flagship displays. They have bright true color for graphic designers and photographers, hence why Macs have always been the choice of the artist or designer. 

They’re pretty. Usually, Macs are nice to look at and have heightened design aspects. 

Connectivity between the Apple world. Apple devices talk almost seamlessly with other Apple devices (phones, AirPod earphones, displays, AppleTV, airplay devices, and other products Apple produces) making setup easy and quick.

Mac (-)’sPlanned obsolescence.

Apple has total control over its manufacturing and product line and every component that goes into a Mac. Therefore they can tell when their operating systems will not work as well on some of their older machines and plan for them to not allow an operating system upgrade. This forces the consumer into a purchase of a new machine possibly before the machine shows signs of wear or slowing down.
Windows still has a huge market share of the computing platform in the world. The software library available for Mac is still large, but less than that of a PC.

No modeling and light gaming – Macs have never been engineering machines and a lot of 3D modeling programs don’t function on a Mac. Most popular video games play better on PCs.

Affordability.

A PC can be built to the exact same specs as a MacBook or MacBook Pro and cost 2/3 the price or less! Since the components can come from a myriad of different companies instead of only one, costs can go down and you still can get the quality and performance you’re looking for.

Marketshare – As stated above, Windows still holds the top spot and is the most widely used operating system in existence. Software is developed for Windows before is developed for anything else. If you need a piece of software that might be odd or unique, most likely it’s designed to run on a PC.

Gaming and Engineering – PCs are mostly modifiable (desktops and some laptops) so upgrade that graphics card! Put more Ram in! Get a better wifi card! Upgrade and customize for your particular application. PCs are the go-to for gamers and engineers/parametric modelers because of their flexibility and customization.  

PC (-)’s

PCs can be less user friendly. They can take a bit more time to get used to, or to get things working if you haven’t used a computer in a while …or ever!

Value for later sale.  While some components can hold their value, Macs have a higher resale value than PCs.

So who wins? What do I buy? Mac or PC?

The debate will go on till the end of time. Only you will know which will suit your needs. Take your newly found knowledge and go forth! The world of computing awaits!

Luigi Oppido | Owner/Technician
| Pleasure Point Computers | 1824
Soquel Ave. STE-B |Santa Cruz,
Ca 95062 |Phone: (831) 464-2220
|[email protected]
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